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Much like the character it studies, King Richard is motivational yet a bit tiresome. King Richard provides a charismatic and complex protagonist in Will Smith while also addressing important themes of racism, classism, and determination. So the film definitely deserves credit for marrying entertainment with enlightenment. However, King Richard falls short of excellence because there isn't much else to it. Yes, Smith is terrific, but not otherworldly enough to make a masterpiece on his own. Unfortunately, the experience eventually feels one-note after a while.
First, the other characters are underwritten. Aunjanue Ellis excels with what she's given, but her scenes are sparse. Meanwhile, little time is spent on Venus and Serena as people. Obviously, King Richard is fundamentally about Richard Williams, but the supporting cast simply doesn't have much to work with. Next, there is the filmmaking, which is strictly adequate. The cinematography, editing, and sound design are plain with occasional highlights. None of these fronts are bad, but none are particularly engaging either. Really, the only significantly positive note outside of Smith is the soundtrack, which emphasizes the era and the climatic moments. Overall, King Richard is certainly good but lacks the complexity to be great.
Writing: 7/10
Direction: 6/10
Cinematography: 7/10
Acting: 8/10
Editing: 7/10
Sound: 7/10
Score/Soundtrack: 8/10
Production Design: 7/10
Casting: 8/10
Effects: 6/10
Overall Score: 7.1/10
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4/5
Richard Williams (Smith), father and coach of Venus and Serena Williams, does his best to keep his family together, working tirelessly to transform his daughters into two of the greatest female athletes of all time.
This is a beautifully inspiring film about an incredible true story of perseverance and triumph. It addresses important issues of race and equity but it never talks down to or preaches at the audience. It is nuanced and effective in never losing sight of the characters in both their triumphs and failures. The writing is strong and Reinaldo Marcus Green’s direction is sure-handed—deftly balancing both the emotional moments and the riveting tennis scenes.
King Richard hits all the notes and beats of a typical sports movie, but it is elevated by its strong cast and their excellent performances. There is a lot of buzz about Will Smith and his portrayal of Richard Williams and he does not disappoint. His performance is measured and never does his impression of the flawed and eccentric real life figure feel like a caricature. Expect him to be a frontrunner in the Best Actor race.
And while the buzz is all about Smith, there are several other performances here that deserve more attention. Aunjanue Ellis is both exultant and devastating as Brandi Williams, the supportive wife and mother who is often pushed to her limits. The scene in which she confronts Richard is the emotional center of the film and she nails it. Jon Bernthal gets to showcase his lighter side and injects new life into the film when he first appears.
The young actresses that portray Venus and Serena (Demi Singleton and Saniyya Sidney) are phenomenal—their performances matching the gravitas and intensity of their adult co-stars. And even though the fates of these famous sisters is never in doubt, the film generates suspense and emotion in equal measure. This is a film that works very well both as a sports movie and a movie about fathers and daughters. It is gripping, electrifying, and can be enjoyed by audiences of all ages.
Hot take: Will Smith’s performance is overrated. The Oscar should go to Aunjanue Ellis.
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